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Instrumentation Focus - December 07

Bulk-Handling System Control OptionsThis company provides plants using bulk conveying, weighing, mixing, and distribution equipment with a wide range of customized control options. These options include controls for individual pieces of equipment or complete plant process integration. The company’s systems integration group develops software for plant managers who want to incorporate process control systems with overall plant operations. It designs both software and hardware for single machines and for systems integrating several machines into a single control architecture. Control capabilities include basic localized push buttons, selector switches for small processes, plantwide supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, or distributed control systems (DCSs). Cyclonaire Corp., York, NE 888-593-6241 www.cyclonaire.com

X-Ray Inspection System
CaseChek is a powerful x-ray inspection system that detects multiple contaminants in large conveyorized cartons, cases, and loose products. Its user-friendly interface guarantees easy operator training. Using a 15-in. full-color touch screen display, it utilizes true automatic setup software that does not require a keyboard. Supported by a complete spare parts inventory, the system offers onboard diagnostics and a modular design, enabling simple repair. It uses a low-energy technology that provides optimal sensitivity, detecting and automatically rejecting a variety of contaminants. Mettler-Toledo Safeline Inc., Tampa, FL 800-447-4439 www.mt.com/safelineus

Process Control Systems
This company designs and builds technologically advanced, fully integrated industrial process control systems for bulk-handling applications in its in-house UL-listed panel shop. The systems are used in many applications to streamline production operations. Production monitoring and management features are programmed for the user’s choice of automation platforms. Production and maintenance schedules can be configured on a single server that logs and reports real-time and historical production data, downtime data, production trends, and maintenance.Metso BEST Inc., Brunswick, OH 800-827-9237 www.bestvibes.com

Dust Collector Controller
The PulsePro EC dust collector controller can perform remote monitoring—the ability to remotely check status and change the set points of baghouses from any computer on the Internet (using the control’s built-in IP address). The controller can also monitor multiple baghouses from one controller. It can send alarm e-mails to notify remote operators of faults. The easy-to-use PLC device seamlessly integrates pulse-jet timing, pressure gauging, leak detection, and other measurement capabilities. Benefits include low installation and operating costs, reduced emissions, and automatic diagnostics, such as the ability to locate failed solenoids, diaphragms, and filter leaks.MikroPul, Charlotte, NC 704-998-2600 www.mikropul.com

Infrared Thermometer
The IR4 infrared thermometer is a dual-function instrument with a laser that offers a wide infrared temperature measurement range and supports K-type thermocouple probes. With a temperature range of –76° to 1400°F, it has selectable measurement modes that include maximum, minimum, difference (max–min), average, and lock (for continuous operation). The unit features a 20:1 distance-to-spot size, Fahrenheit or centigrade temperature units, a large and bright amber back-lit LCD display, and programmable high- and low-temperature alarmsDwyer Instruments Inc., Michigan City, IN 800-872-9141 www.dwyer-inst.com

Digital Data Recorders
This line of digital data recorders collects and manages process-variable information, optimizing process production and regulatory accountability. The Foxboro 6100 data management series incorporates advanced digital technologies, providing ease of use, high security, and adaptability to a wide range of production processes, including batch applications. The paperless data recorders feature extended input capability to communicate with up to 32 slave devices, providing up to 176 inputs. The slave devices can be used to acquire variable process information, including pressure, flow, temperature, and electrochemical analysis measurements such as pH and conductivity. Slave units can also provide remote access to legacy product data and combined recording and process control functionality. The process value input can be divided among as many as 12 different groups, enabling a broad range of data viewing and reporting.Invensys Process Systems, Foxboro, MA 866-746-6477 www.foxboro.com/instrumentation

Universal Remote Displays
The Sitrans RD100 and RD200 universal remote digital displays enable users to view and access measurement data from a remote location. Easy to set up and program, these displays can be used with all types of field instruments in varying process conditions. The RD100 is a two-wire loop-powered remote digital display. Easy setup with a simple two-step configuration allows for quick servicing without interruption of the loop. The date is easy to read on a 1-in.-high LCD. The RD200 is a universal input, panel-mount, remote display for process instrumentation. It accepts universal inputs, including current, voltage, thermocouple, and resistance temperature device (RTD) signals. Siemens Energy & Automation Inc., Alpharetta, GA 770-751-2000 www.usa.siemens.com

Fabric-Filter Leak-Detection Systems
This company offers fabric-filter leak-detection systems that comply with MACT and other EPA compliance regulations. The systems include stack monitors with automatic self checks to eliminate the manual labor associated with EPA quality assurance requirements, multichannel systems with leak-locating technology for large multicompartment baghouses, and low-cost loop-powered transmitters. All systems feature an induction-sensing mechanism that is more reliable than traditional triboelectric and opacity devices, particularly in difficult applications such as coal, steel, cement, carbon black, lead smelters, chemical plants, and pharmaceutical spray dryers.FilterSense, Beverly, MA 978-927-4304 www.filtersense.com

Acoustic Wave Transmitter
With noncontact measurement capability and low installation costs, the Sultan nonintrusive acoustic wave transmitter yields comprehensive results for many applications. Easy to calibrate and commission, it has low-frequency, high-power, and adaptive-gain technology and is suited for vapors, dust, and solids. With a programmable fail-safe mode, low cost per point, and pump control, it is Hart, Goshawk, Modbus, Profibus, and Fieldbus compatible.Hawk Measurement America, Middleton, MA 978-304-3000 www.hawklevel.com

NIR Multiconstituent Transmitter
The MCT360 NIR multiconstituent transmitter features a versatile design that permits it to operate on its own or in a multipoint network. It provides off-line accuracy under on-line operating conditions. Simultaneous information about important product constituents is instantly available to plant operators and control systems from a single sensor. Fully capable of handling product versatility, the unit offers several advanced features, including a true stand-alone transmitter design, a single high-quality PbS detector, an automatic temperature control circuit, high-quality NIR interference filters, and dual-beam wavelength compensation. Improve­ments include single-board configuration, all-surface-mount electronics, software-driven adjustable motor speed, dual micro technology, and dual-gain filter processing. Offered with a touch screen operator interface, the unit performs four types of measurements, including product temperature.Process Sensors Corp., Milford, MA 508-473-9901 www.processsensors.com

Multigas Detector
Providing excellent confined space performance, the G450 multigas detector has a compact and robust 1-to-4 sensor design, a full three-year warranty on all sensors, interchangeable battery packs for up to 25 hours of continuous operation, and a motorized pump that is operable in diffusion or sample-draw mode.GfG Instrumentation Inc., Ann Arbor, MI 734-761-5168 www.gfg-inc.com

Miniature Infrared Transmitters
OS100E miniature infrared transmitters measure a temperature range of 0 to 1000°F. All models have a remotely mounted infrared sensor head connected to a microprocessor-based signal conditioner. The miniature sensor head measures temperature in confined, hard-to-reach places and harsh environments. It is connected to the main electronics housing via a 6-ft shielded cable. The signal conditioner’s main electronics is mounted in a rugged NEMA 4 (IP65)–rated die-cast aluminum housing. An LED display is switchable between Fahrenheit and centigrade scales.Omega Engineering Inc., Stamford, CT 203-359-1660 www.omega.com

PLC Controller
The Series3 2400 PLC controller consists of two models. Model 5741-76 operates up to 24 vacuum receivers on one or two blowers, while Model 5741-77 controls up to 48 vacuum receivers on two to four blowers. The PLC contains a low-voltage cable system with quick-connect plugs. The DeviceNet connects via trunk-drop or daisy chain. Modem kits are available.Premier Pneumatics Inc., Salina, KS 785-825-1611 www.premierpneumatics.com

Capacitive-Level Transmitter
State-of-the-art sensing technology in the CRF2, using impulse RF admittance measurement, provides accurate level measurement and stability. The unit senses capacitance changes resulting from the height of the material in the tank between the probe and the tank wall. With no moving parts, this capacitive technology does not jam; there is no wear, nothing to break, and no maintenance. It comes with either a rigid or flexible probe, depending on the application installation and probe length required. Features include easy push-button calibration of zero and span. The probe can be custom ordered to any length. The FEP-covered probe is ideal for use with corrosive media.Dwyer Instruments Inc., Michigan City, IN 800-872-9141 www.dwyer-inst.com